Grad pics on the third floor of the CSULB Library!

Meet our 2026 LACDAC Artistic Programs Summer Intern, Alyssa Agudelo!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Alyssa Agudelo and I’m a recent graduate of California State University, Long Beach with a BA in Comparative World Literature and Sociology. I’m a third-generation Filipino-American, born and raised in San Francisco (Daly City). During my time at CSULB, I served as Senior Editor of a multimedia journal called Genre. In publishing two volumes in the past two years, I’ve become a firm believer in arts and humanities being readily accessible to all. This is a critical practice that I’m looking forward to upholding throughout my time as an Artistic Programs Intern at VC. Occasionally, I like to vend at local flea markets in Long Beach under my small business, Moth Mart. Follow me @lyssa.img on Instagram to stay in touch!

How did you hear about Visual Communications and what drew you to apply?

VC is one of many organizations offering an arts internship underneath the LA County Department of Arts and Culture. Among the listed nonprofits, I felt most compelled to apply to VC for its unwavering focus on media as a means of change. Especially as a third-generation individual, I’ve experienced the common lack of cultural inheritance. Naturally, VC encourages the production of media that enriches how we conceptualize ourselves, our everyday lives, and the world around us. Ephemera, oral retellings, and current media are just some of the many means of understanding one’s own cultural backgrounds—and these mediums are all treasured at VC. If our communities can continue to document and express themselves in a more tangible way, it will make all the difference.

(Also, I was originally admitted into CSULB as a Cinematic Arts student—so, for me, working at VC is very full-circle!)

What do you hope to learn from this internship?

As this year’s Artistic Programs Intern, I’m looking forward to exercising the caliber of organization, coordination, and engagement that is needed to uphold our yearly programming. This will be my first time working for a nonprofit, and I’m certain that I have lots to learn from the internal, administrative side of this organization. I also think programs are a crucial aspect in encouraging our local communities to create a dialogue with another and be more open to the act of self-expression; this is something I’m looking forward to lending a hand in and, in turn, learning from. Above all, I’m looking forward to surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who care about the preservation and elevation of AANHPI media. I know learning to keep a close community like we do at VC will benefit me personally as much as it will professionally.

MBTI: INFJ-A

Artists on Repeat: Oasis, The Cardigans, PinkPantheress

3 Favorite Films: Mickey-17 (2025), Scream (1996), Nope (2022)

Favorite Place in the World: Washington Square Park (people-watching final boss)

What do you like to do in your free time?: You’ll probably find me going to a coffee shop, a museum, or a Regal theater! Also, a really big reader—currently reading Mourning of a Breast by Xi Xi and also five other lit-fic books that I’ve started but not finished. Other than that, my at-home routine generally involves cooking big dinners, junk journaling, crafting Spotify playlists, and rewatching the same television shows over again.

Hidden Talent: I give amateur tarot readings! Can’t guarantee 100% accuracy, but I’ve gotten pretty good reviews from friends

Hot Take: As a society, we need to get back into the art of blogging—AKA Tumblr revival

Restaurant Recommendation: If you’re ever in SF, try Toyose! It runs out of a garage in the Outer Sunset, and it’s open till 2AM on weekends.

NEWS

Meet a VC Intern: Alyssa Agudelo